A new french model.......

What do you think?   The new Miranda Kerr????

Vendredi - French Fashion Show

Today we went to the Alliance Française to see a typical French school cafeteria.  We had ‘mouton, puree et les flagons’.  What’s that?  We had some lamb, potato mash and beans.  Absolutely delicious with apple tart for dessert!!  Then we went for a walk through the St Germain area before seeing a live French fashion show for the new winter collection. 

Jeudi - The day after visiting London

We didn’t wake until 11am!!!  After ‘brunch’ we went to do laundry and then went for a little walk around our area.  We had a late lunch/dinner at 3pm…. Watch the movie to see what we typically eat for our lunches.

ENGLAND

Today we got up early to go to ENGLAND!!  Isn’t it amazing to be able to travel to another country in just 2 hours!!  We went through customs which is much stricter than France and then boarded the Eurostar.  We arrived in London at 9am and got some tickets to go on a bus tour.  We were guided through the streets with commentary and all really enjoyed all the sights.  We got to Buckingham Palace in time for the Changing Of The Guards ceremony.  It was long and very crowded.  It was certainly an great spectacle to see.  After we went to a typical English restaurant for lunch.  And our “wee” Amy (that’s English for little) had some yummy hot chips.

After lunch, we went to see Harrods.  WOW!  It got dark very early so by 3pm we felt like it was 6.  We went on the bus tour for a bit more and got off to walk to see the BIG BEN.  Then a short boat cruise before we headed back to the train station to go back to Paris.  We got home at midnight, all very tired and needing lots of sleep.

Lundi - Louvre et Angelina

We had a big sleep-in this morning.   When we were ready, we went to the Louvre.  The Mona-Lisa was very popular and is now cased in a new glass cabinet/wall.  We also saw other areas including the Egyptian area where there was a mummy.   After the Louvre, we walked to the Tuillerie gardens.  Just opposite there is the famous restaurant ‘Angelina’.  We went in for afternoon tea.  OH MY it was DIVINE!!! The most unreal hot chocolate ever and the cakes were so rich we all struggled to finish them.  We really recommend this restaurant.  Coco Chanel has been there and many top models frequent there for lunch. 

Did you know this about the Mona Lisa?

1.     She was stolen in 1911 by an employe of the louvre who believed she should be returned to Italy and displayed in a museum there.  After 2 years, he decided to sell it to Italy but was sent to prison,.  However, he only stayed in jail for 6 months as he was hailed for his patriotism.

2.     In 1956 a man threw a rock at the painting which resulted in a small patch of damage to her left elbow.  This was restored.

3.     The Mona Lisa used to be housed in a square glass cabinet but in 2009, a Russian woman who did not get French citizenship, threw a mug at the glass which in turn, shattered.  This is why it is now in a new glass enclosure.

4.     The Mona Lisa is actually not the correct spelling it is Monna Lisa, which means My Lady in Italian.

Dimanche - Versailles

We went to Versailles today.  The palace was massive and the construction was absolutely amazing.  We loved the design of every room and in particular, Marie Antoinette’s bed!  The gardens were gorgeous and well maintained.  After a long 3 hours at the palace, we headed off to the Science centre.  We all enjoyed the different areas and especially the new and upcoming designs of products that have been invented.  At 7pm we came home EXHAUSTED.  It was such an action packed day but really enjoyable.

We got up late today.  We were all very tired from a big week.  We headed out to the Champs Elysee to walk up the street and see the Arc de Triomphe and go to the top.  The view from the top was magnificent.  Did you know that the Arc de Triomphe is also known as ‘La Place d’Etoile” which means that it is the place of the star as there are 8 streets coming off the roundabout.  Unfortunately we did not see any accidents but because it was such a clear day we saw many other museums and well-known places in Paris.  After, we saw the Christmas markets and had a YUMMY gauffre!!!  And we also tasted something else……Check out the movie.